Family hopes for closure in 18-year-old's murder

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — A family is hoping the new year will bring them closure.

They want to know who killed their loved one, Vanessa "Honey" Malone, in 2012.

DeKalb County police said the 18-year-old walked in on an armed robbery at a Stone Mountain apartment complex.

RELATED STORIES:

• Family seeks leads in teen's killing
• Mother looks to social media to find daughter's killer
• Reward increased to $10,000 in cold case murder

Detectives believe she interrupted three to six armed robbers who had tied up two people staying there.

The victim's family said they cannot bring themselves to enjoy the holidays knowing that Malone's killer is still on the loose.

"I don't celebrate at all. I don't buy gifts. I don't put up a tree," Vanessa's mother, Flora Malone said.

Family members said they are heartbroken by the loss and wish there was something they could do.

"I'm the big sister and I was supposed to always be able to protect her," Vanessa's sister, Cassaundra Kennedy, said.

DeKalb County police are still working the case.

The family said they have been robbed of their happiness.

"We just want justice. We want to know who did it and why they did it," Kennedy said.

If you know anything that could help police solve the case, call CrimeStoppers at 404-577-8577.

Cox Media Group